Cattle-stunning device



June 29 1926.

, 'J. RING CATTLE 'swunume DEVICE Filed Oct. 2'7, 1924 Patented June 29, 1926.

UNITED STATES LEWIS J. RING, OF WAKEFIELD, NEBRASKA.

CATTLE-STUNNING DEVICE.

Application filed October 27, 1924. Serial No. 746,096.

This invention relates to a cattle stunning device particularly useful in connection with the operation of butchering steers.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple means for causing a senseless condition of the cattle to be butchered in order that the slaughtering may be accomplished in a humanitary' manner and with a greater degree of certainty than heretofore.

Other objects of the invention are to pro vide a device which will be simple in operation, economical in manufacture and up keep and one which an unskilled operator may utilize.

In the accompanying drawing Fig. 1 is a side view of the device with parts broken away, the head of a steer being represented in dotted lines, and

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the same.

Heretofore the method of stunning cattle prior to butchering has been largely that of striking the steer in the temple with a hammer. The blow being delivered in a well known vulnerable point which, with steers, is below and between the horns. In the practice of this method, if an inaccurate blow is delivered, the animal will be unnecessa-rily hurt and another blow will be required.

By use of the following described method more humane results are insured.

Referring now to the drawing for a more particular description, numeral 10 indicates a frame preferably constructed of wood and of any suitable length and width. The frame is provided with a stock 11 having a concaved end 12. An upright metal holder plate 13 is secured to one end of the frame and provides a mounting for a sleeve 14.

A portion of the sleeve preferably projects beyond the plate 14, its major portion 14' providing a guide for a plunger-bolt or bar 15 which is adapted to have sliding movements within the sleeve. The plunger is preferably provided with a pointed end 15'.

An upstanding guide plate 16 is secured at the stock end of the frame and is provided with a suitable aperture through which the plunger 15 may have sliding movements, this aperture being in alignment with the sleeve 14.

The plunger is actuated by springs of suflicient tension to cause it to deliver a blow of a required force. The springs 16 are preferably secured to eye-bolts 17. The

shanks of the eye bolts extend through the plate 13 and are provided with screw threads 19 and nuts 20 which may be rotated for equalizing the tension of the springs and varying their degree of resiliency .in order that a heavy or light blow may be delivered by the plunger as may be required.

The springs are coupled to the plunger by the following preferred means:

The springs are provided with hook-ends 'adapted to be received within the slots 21 of with the bar '24 and is adapted to communi- V cate motion to the plunger as follows:

The plunger is provided with a collar 27 through which it may, at desired times, be moved for adjustment purposes. During operation the plunger is locked to the collar by means of a set-screw or keeper 28. The collar is provided at its upper side with a pivot-pin 29 which registers with an aperture formed in the arm 26. By these means simultaneous movements of the bar 24 and plunger 15 are attained.

The device is provided with a releasing means or latch 30 upon which the operator may rest his thumb. This latch is preferably constructed of spring steel and is provided with a portion 31 of inverted U-shape extending over the guide plate 16 and a flat portion 32 which is secured to the frame 10 by means of screws 33.

The latch is also provided with a shoulder or upwardly inclined terminal 34 adapted to register with a catch or notch 35 cut into the lower edge of the bar 24. This shoulder 34 functions as a detent when the springs 16 are extended.

It will be understood that an operator may grasp the bar 24 and may draw it and the plunger 15 rearwardly, thereby eXpanding the springs 16 until the shoulder 34 of the latch engages in the notch 35, the resiliency of the latch causing said engagement.

The plunger 15 being locked to the bar 24 as heretofore described, and said plunger being drawn rearwardly a sufficient distance so that its convergent end 15' will be disposed remote from the outer; end of thebarrel 14, the device will be ready for use.

It is considered obvious irom the foregoing description that various adjustments may be made to suit conditions suchv as:

The length of travel of the plunger may be regulated by shifting its position relatively to the collar 27 and thus regulate the force of the desired blow. The tension of the springs may be varied by rotating the nuts 20 and hence secure a line adjustment of the force of the required blow, or the springs may be readily removed and Weaker or stronger springs substituted.

I do not Wish to be understoodas limiting myself to changes in form and proportion and minor details, it being understood. that various changesmay be made insuch respects Without departing fromthe spirit of the invention, it being only necessary. that such changes 'fallwithinthe; scope of the invention as claimed.

I claim:

A cattle stunning device comprising a stool: an elongated frame. mounted on the stock provided with upstanding portions at opposite ends, a guide sleeve securedthrough the forward upstanding portion of the frame, an impact rod slidable at its forward end in the guide sleeve andslidably engaging through the rear upstanding portion of the frame, a pull bar slidably mounted through therear; upstanding portion of the frame at one side of the impact rod, an ad justable connection between the rod; and the pull bar, a thumb latchv carried by the frame outwardlyiof the pull bar-and having a let erallydisposed shoulder for interlocking engagement with the pullbar-when thelatter LEXVIS J. RING. 

